Navigating Spousal Visa Application Rejection
A spousal visa application is a major life event for many people, so receiving a rejection notice can feel devastating. But a rejection isn't the end of the road. With the right approach, you can reapply and significantly increase your chances of getting approved. This article explains what to do after a rejection notice arrives and outlines the key points for a successful reapplication.
1. The First Step: Understand Why You Were Rejected
A rejection notice usually states the reason for the denial, but the language is often vague, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact issue. Common reasons for rejection include.
| Credibility Issues |
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| ・An extremely short dating period. ・A lack of objective evidence (like social media posts or photos) to prove the relationship. ・A determination that the couple lacks genuine communication. |
| Stability Issues |
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| ・The Japanese spouse's income or savings are deemed unstable. ・The couple's cohabitation is not verifiable (e.g., they are living separately). |
| Document Flaws |
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| ・Missing or incorrect submitted documents. ・Failure to respond to requests for additional materials from the Immigration Bureau. |
The most reliable way to understand the exact reason for rejection is to go to the Immigration Bureau and speak directly with a visa officer. It's also highly recommended to hire an administrative scrivener (Gyoseishoshi), a specialist who can conduct the hearing on your behalf and provide specific advice.
2. Four Key Points for a Successful Reapplication
Once you have identified the reason for the rejection, the next step is to prepare to address the issue. Simply submitting the same documents again will not change the outcome.
| Point 1: Resolve the Reason for the Rejection |
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| This is the most critical step. For example, if you were rejected for "unstable income," you need to find a more stable job or increase your savings. If your "credibility was questioned," you must provide a more detailed and compelling narrative about how you met, dated, and decided to marry, along with more evidence to support your story. |
| Point 2: Create New Documents |
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| You should create and submit new documents that reinforce the weak points of your previous application. The statement of reasons (riyu-sho) is particularly important as it's a chance to convey the sincerity of your relationship. By honestly reflecting on why the previous application was denied and outlining concrete steps for improvement, you can demonstrate your sincerity to the visa officer. |
| Point 3: Wait a Period of Time |
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| You should avoid reapplying immediately after receiving a rejection notice. The visa officers will be checking to see if the issues that led to the rejection have genuinely been resolved. It's generally recommended to wait at least three to six months to allow time for the necessary improvements (such as finding a new job or establishing a period of cohabitation). |
| Point 4: Seek Professional Support |
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| After receiving a rejection, the self-reapplication process becomes very difficult. It is strongly advised to consult an expert, like an administrative scrivener, who can help identify the root cause of the rejection and provide specific advice on how to fix it. These professionals have extensive experience with similar cases and can propose a tailored reapplication strategy. |
Rejection Is an Opportunity for a "Rethink"
A spousal visa rejection is not a dead end. Instead, view it as an opportunity to re-examine your relationship and your documents, and to prepare for a "perfect" reapplication. If you have received a rejection notice and feel lost, don't struggle alone. The best first step is to consult a professional.
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